entitlement reform is the only way we are going to really get the debt and deficit under control. and we have to take it on. >> chris: but let me ask you. you say you would consider more revenue but through loopholes and deductions... let me ask you, you vote against the bush tax cuts, a decade ago, because, and i went back and looked, you said too many of the benefits go to the wealthy, not to the middle class and once they were passed you changed your view and said they have taken effect. i will not oppose them. but, if you could get a solid deal, with, as you call for, spending cuts and entitlement reform and make a major -- take a chunk out of the national debt, why is the 35% top tax rate which you opposed sacred? >> because every economist that i respect says if you raise tax rates at this time, in fact, the president even said a couple of years ago, it harms the economy. we are trying to help the economy. and, so, unless i can be convinced that raising tax rates will be beneficial, then obviously i think there's reason and ground for my position. but, i also believe that we